If you are a senior experiencing mobility challenges, you’re not alone. According to the National Library of Medicine, more than ⅓ of people over 70, and almost all over 85, experience mobility challenges. As medical advancements provide us with a longer lifespan, dwindling strength, cognition, neuromuscular function, and behaviors threaten our ability to get around safely.
Fortunately, advancements in mobility aids for seniors provide a means to maintain independence, even as these difficulties arise.
Types of Mobility Aids
There are several types of mobility aids, sometimes called daily living aids, each designed for specific conditions and needs. These assistive devices are easy to use and provide support as you accomplish daily tasks. Let’s take a look at what’s available.
1. Canes
Canes and walking sticks are excellent tools designed to assist with balance and stability. Often prescribed by a physician via a physical therapist recommendation, these products are intended as an assistive tool for those who feel unsteady but don’t require a walker.
Canes come in various styles, each meeting specific needs. Be sure to ask your physical therapist or physician which style is most suitable for you. For more specific information about each cane type and the best canes in that category, head over to our list of the Best Walking Canes for Seniors.
Single Point Canes
Single-point canes are straight canes with a single tip at the end. When selecting your cane, you can choose from many different grip styles, including offset handles and the candy-cane style handle.
Tri Tip Canes
Tri-tip canes stand with three tips on the ground. Designed to pivot, they provide support when walking on uneven ground. Base sizes vary based on the needed level of support, with larger bases being more stable.
Quad Canes
Quad canes maintain four points of contact with the ground to provide the greatest level of support. However, you must plant all four cane feet on the floor to sustain stability.
Bariatric Canes
Bariatric canes are designed for individuals up to 500 pounds who require some additional support. These steel aids are lightweight and durable.
Seat Canes
Designed with a straddle or seat, seat canes provide a safe place to sit when standing or walking becomes too much. The seats come in various styles and are foldable.
Walker Canes
These hybrid canes function as a walker when unfolded and a quad cane when folded. While less common, these devices offer support for patients who sometimes need a higher level of assistance, but can often ambulate with a low level of support.
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2. Walkers
Walkers are ideal for seniors who require more support than a cane can provide, but who can still get up and ambulate. Each is manufactured to meet specific support needs.
Standard Walker
Standard walkers are designed with four legs, each with a rubber tip. These are most commonly seen within hospital and rehabilitation settings, and provide the highest level of support.
Two-Wheeled Walker
Two-wheeled walkers are similar to standard walkers, but replace the two front leg tips with wheels. This allows the user to roll the front of the walker in front of them, rather than having to pick it up to maneuver it. These are ideal for users who require less support than those using a standard walker.
Four-Wheeled or Rollator Walker
A four-wheeled walker, often called a rollator walker, is designed for those who require balance assistance, but don’t need to lean on the walker. These walkers easily roll across the floor and are often designed with a flip-down seat to provide a place to rest. Brakes on the handles ensure it doesn’t roll away without user permission.
3. Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs are designed for users who are unable to walk safely from place to place, but still desire independence. Users navigate manual wheelchairs using the wheels or handles, while power wheelchairs move using a joystick or button.
Manual Wheelchairs
Manual wheelchairs are available in several styles. These include:
- Standard Wheelchairs – These are often what you see in hospitals. They can be used temporarily or long-term. Their foldable design makes them ideal for travel, but they are heavy and wider than some home doorways.
- Transport Wheelchairs – These narrow chairs have smaller wheels and are best used to move a person from one room to another. They are not ideal for long-term use throughout the day, but are lightweight and easy to maneuver.
- Dynamic Tilt Wheelchairs – Best for users with fragile skin, these chairs easily reposition the user in a reclining or tilted position. They are often best for users who spend days in their chair and struggle to reposition independently.
Power Wheelchairs
Power wheelchairs are helpful for users with various needs as they are highly customizable. You can choose which side of the chair holds the joystick, the type of steering controls (they can be manipulated using hand, head, chin, tongue, mouth, or speech controls), how they look, which wheels are the drive wheels, how portable the machine is, and more.
4. Scooters
Mobility scooters are similar to power wheelchairs but work best for users who don’t require a wheelchair full time. Users must be able to sit upright independently and possess the strength and stamina to steer the scooter. Scooters are available in several styles, including three or four-wheeled options and foldable devices that travel well.
5. Ramps
If you or your loved one wants to remain living at home, but finds stairs challenging, a ramp may be the mobility aid you need. Ramps come in steel, wood, concrete, or aluminum and can be customized to fit your space.
6. Stair Lifts
Stair lifts are an alternative option for navigating stairs when a ramp is not feasible. These powered chairs run on a rail installed along the edge of the stairs, providing access to multiple floors of your home. If you’re considering a stairlift for your home, check out our list of the Top 6 Stairlifts for Seniors.
7. Walk-In Bathtubs
Walk-in bathtubs are an ideal home upgrade for seniors who want to ensure safety when bathing. Manufactured in many different styles, some offer a shower combination, built-in seats, and even massage jets. If you’re considering upgrading your bathroom, check out our guide to the Best Walk-in Bathtubs for Seniors.
8. Shower and Bath Chairs
If a walk-in bathtub isn’t something you can add right now, you might consider a shower or bath chair. These devices are easy to insert or remove, are often foldable for storage, and are much more affordable than a bathroom overhaul. They are best for users with adequate body strength and coordination to manipulate themselves onto them.
Other Devices
You can easily find a plethora of home devices and upgrades that provide assistance and increase safety within the home. These devices do not require a prescription, are relatively affordable, and are easy to install and use. Discuss your needs with your care team before deciding which ones are best for you.
Some home daily living aids that you might find helpful include:
- Grabbers
- Grab bars
- Transfer benches
- Transfer disks
- Kitchen tools
- Stand assist aids
- Grip handles
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Choosing a Mobility Aid
Before deciding which assistive devices are best, start with a mobility needs assessment. This will involve participation from you, a caregiver, and a physician or physician therapist. Start by taking note of any challenges you or the user experiences throughout the day.
- Are there things you/they no longer participate in due to difficulty with mobility?
- Are there things you/they would like to do with assistance?
- What daily tasks have become difficult?
Answering these questions can help you in deciding which areas of the home are top priority. Also, do a methodical assessment of the home. Assess for ease of use within each area.
- Is the sofa comfortable and accessible?
- Is the dining room table usable at this time?
- What challenges does the user face in the bathroom, and how much space is available?
- Is the bedroom accessible?
- Are there areas of the home where transitions from one room to another are difficult?
- What budget is available for making upgrades?
Keep notes on each area and prioritize based on safety and personal preference. Once you’ve decided on your mobility aids, carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use. This will ensure the highest level of safety for the user.
Adding mobility aids to your life offers increased safety and independence within your home and during outings, and will give you and your loved ones peace of mind.
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